He said the election results were "not a wake up call but a slap in the face".

Mukhriz accused Abdullah of failing to control rampant corruption, nepotism and cronyism, in an apparent reference to his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, who is believed to wield enormous influence in the government.

"We have been told to keep silent ... I urge you to stand with me to seek the truth and find a resolution," he said, adding that it was vital for Umno's survival.